As more and more people struggle with weight loss, a growing number of them are considering alternative methods, like gastro-intestinal surgeries, extreme cleansing diets for the short term, and even acupuncture for weight loss.
While there are a lot of people who will immediately disregard something like acupuncture, there are just as many who insist that the benefits are real and that they do help.
What is Acupuncture?
So what, exactly, is acupuncture and can you really use acupuncture for weight loss? Acupuncture, which originated in ancient China, is a process that includes the manipulation of thin needles that are placed at certain points in a person’s skin.
The belief is that the manipulation of these needles affects a person’s qi and can assist in curing all sorts of ailments.
There is solid scientific research that agrees acupuncture offers relief from things like nausea and the pain associated with migraines, but, can it really work for weight loss?
How Acupuncture can Help with Weight Loss
Regardless of if you believe that acupuncture for weight loss really works, there are things that acupuncture can do that at the very least, can assist in weight loss.
Relieves Stress
For example, acupuncture is relaxing. Though it might not seem so – what with having a dozen little needles poking into your skin – acupuncture has long been touted as a very relaxing experience. When you are relaxed, you are far less stressed. When you are less stressed, you eat less. When you eat less, you lose weight.
Boost Metabolism and Suppress Appetite
Aside from relaxation therapy, proponents of acupuncture also attest that it can boost metabolism and suppress appetite. It can improve typical body functions to assist you in purging your body of toxins and promotes an internal balancing that leads to a general improvement in mental and physical health.
All of these benefits are key parts in maintaining a healthy weight loss journey. Unhappy people eat more; therefore an improvement of body function as well as mental health will improve weight loss.
Will it Work?
Will acupuncture work for you? It’s hard to say.
The various diets and weight loss systems, such as, the 17 Day Diet or P90x fitness program have different approaches, and each individual has very different results when it comes to weight loss. Each person loses weight at their own speed, and what works for your neighbor might not work for you.
Everyone who has had success using acupuncture to lose weight will attest that it is not a magical cure.
It still takes focus on eating well and incorporating regular exercise into their plan. Ideal weight loss typically happens at one or two pounds per week, which any medical professional will report is a healthy way to shed those pounds.
Slow and steady over time works far better than quick and immediate. You will have a better chance at keeping that weight off.
If this is something you are seriously thinking about doing, be certain to follow these guidelines to give yourself the best opportunity to succeed with acupuncture:
- Find an accredited acupuncturist. Most reputable locations require acupuncturists to be accredited and licensed. Be certain yours is.
- Check with friends and relatives, co-workers and even your doctor for recommendations.
- Follow through with the full session plan. Just as you can’t lose all the weight overnight by cutting calories in one day, or just go to the gym once and see the weight fall off, neither can you attend just one or two sessions.
- Remember that diet and exercise are still key. You could visit an acupuncturist five days a week, but, if you don’t follow a healthy diet or visit the gym you won’t see very good results.
- Meditation can be an added positive aid that along with acupuncture can help with relaxation and in avoiding emotional overeating. Mindful meditation is a well known and popular practice that assists with calming the mind and getting in touch with ourselves.
The sitting practice of mindfulness meditation provides the opportunity to be present within ourselves and to stop perpetuating needless suffering that comes from life’s woes, and this includes being overweight and all the burdens that come with it. Through meditation we can accept all the negatives and through acceptance change can become possible.
Congratulations on your decision to explore acupuncture for weight loss, and good luck on your journey.
